Democrats sue Trump administration over taxpayer-funded TV ads promoting the president

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against President Donald Trump's administration over recent television ads that push his political message while being paid for by taxpayers.

The complaint was lodged in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. It argues the ads amount to illegal government-sponsored propaganda and says Trump personally directed their production. The committee wants the court to declare the ads unlawful and bar the use of federal money to fund them.

Costs and criticism

The ads, which began airing in September, glorify the president and repeat his campaign pitch while early voting is under way and the midterm elections are less than a month away. According to the media tracking firm AdImpact, running them has already cost more than $12 million, and a total of $20 million from the Homeland Security Department has been earmarked for the campaign. Trump has faced criticism from both parties over the spots.

On Monday, the president described them as positive promotion for the country and said he would pay for future ones through his MAGA Inc. super PAC. However, on Tuesday a fifth ad began airing carrying the notice that it was paid for by the US Government, highlighting Trump's military actions in Venezuela earlier this year. The same day, he told reporters he had not committed to repaying money already spent, saying "we'll decide."

Legal basis

DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement that Trump is misusing taxpayer dollars in a last-ditch attempt to save Republicans in November. Legal experts say the ads may violate a federal law barring congressionally appropriated funds from being used for publicity or propaganda, and possibly other statutes.

The Homeland Security funds come from a $175 million package Congress gave the department for Trump's immigration enforcement agenda. The White House has defended the ads as public service announcements similar to those of earlier administrations. Experts counter that these differ because they are not meant to help people benefit from specific government programs.

The defendants are Trump, the White House, the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Management and Budget. They did not immediately respond to requests for comment.